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Cruises to Jamaica allow travelers to experience the island's allure, while providing onboard entertainment and fine dining. Travel + Leisure notes that cost-conscious vacationers can save money by booking their cruise several months in advance. Some travelers may want to avoid March or April sail dates, when spring break vacationers create 24-hour partying environments on many ships. Excursions often sell out long before the sail date, so if your heart is set on dolphin swims or river kayaking, book your excursion well in advance.

Carnival

The Carnival Conquest departs from New Orleans on a voyage that also includes visits to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Cruisers spend their fourth day at Montego Bay in Jamaica, and Carnival offers excursions that include visits to Ocho Rios' Dolphin Cove, where guests can interact with stingrays and dolphins, and a hosted beach party at Montego Bay. Fodor's notes that Carnival offers a bustling environment with activities constantly in progress throughout the ship and shows that emulate the Las Vegas spectacle, making Carnival a good choice for vacationers seeking an energetic cruise experience and little emphasis on formal nights.

Holland America

Holland America's MS Ryndam visits Falmouth, Jamaica, and also travels to Cozumel, Key West and the Cayman Islands. Cruise Critic awarded Holland America its Best for Classic Cruising Award in 2010 and notes that its ships provide a refined cruising atmosphere, offering art exhibitions and afternoon tea aboard its vessels. The Ryndam's Vermeer Lounge hosts cabaret acts, magicians and comedians, and guests can take cooking classes at its Culinary Arts Center. Holland America's Falmouth excursions include a trip to Mystic Mountain, where cruisers can descend the mountain via its 3,280-foot bobsled track, and a Chukka Cove Farm excursion, where guests can enjoy horseback riding along Papillon Cove.

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Sail on the Norwegian Pearl to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, along with stops in Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Norwegian's private Great Stirrup Cay resort. NCL's Best of Ochos Rios excursion takes guests through the area's scenic highlights before concluding with a shopping expedition. Or try rafting expeditions on bamboo craft. Frommer's notes that Norwegian offers a relaxed onboard atmosphere and says its live entertainment surpasses what most other cruise lines offer. The Norwegian Pearl features 16 dining options, the Pearl Club Casino and one of Second City's touring improvisational comedy troupes.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's cruise sails from Port Canaveral, Florida aboard the Freedom of the Seas. The cruise visits Falmouth, along with Haiti, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. Falmouth excursions include horse and buggy rides through town and a glass-bottom boat ride over Doctors Cave Beach's coral reef. Cruise Critic awarded Royal Caribbean its 2010 Best for Families award and noted that the line offers a host of onboard activities catering to active travelers, such as rock-climbing walls and skating rinks. The Freedom of the Seas provides family-friendly attractions such as its FlowRider wave pool and the H2O Zone water park.

About the Author

Since 2006 Jim Orrill has produced reviews and essays on popular culture for publications including Lemurvision and "Sexis." Based in Western North Carolina, Orrill graduated cum laude from the University of North Carolina with a bachelor's degree in office systems.